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What’s happening inside the womb at four months?
Your little one is growing rapidly at four months in utero. They’re now about the size of an avocado, measuring around 5.5 inches from crown to rump and weighing around 5 ounces. So, what’s happening inside the womb at this point?
At four months, the baby’s organs are starting to mature. Their digestive system is becoming more complex and their little stomach is beginning to produce digestive juices. Meanwhile, the kidneys are starting to function, which means they’re producing urine that’s being released into the amniotic fluid.
Your baby’s skeleton continues to harden and their limbs are becoming properly proportioned. They’re also starting to move around more and you may begin to feel those tiny flutters in your belly.
Your baby’s face is also starting to take shape. Their ears are now in their final position on the sides of their head and their eyes, which were once on the sides of the head, have now moved closer together. Their skin is still translucent and they’re covered in fine hair called lanugo.
What can you expect during your four-month prenatal checkup?
During your prenatal checkup at four months, your doctor or midwife will likely perform an ultrasound to check on your baby’s growth and development. They may also check your baby’s heartbeat using a fetal Doppler.
Your healthcare provider will also check your blood pressure, weight, and urine for any signs of complications. They may also test your blood for gestational diabetes and other conditions that could affect your pregnancy.
This is also a good time to ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have about your pregnancy, labor and delivery, or postpartum care.
What can you do to support your baby’s development during this stage?
While your baby’s development is largely determined by genetics and can’t be influenced too much by external factors, there are things you can do to support a healthy pregnancy and give your baby a good start in life.
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is important at all stages of pregnancy, but especially so during the second trimester when your baby’s organs are developing rapidly. Make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy or non-dairy alternatives in your diet.
Staying active can also help support your baby’s development. Exercise can improve circulation and oxygen delivery to the placenta, which provides vital nutrients to your growing baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about what types of exercise are safe for you and your baby.
Finally, taking care of your mental health is important during pregnancy. Stress and anxiety can have negative effects on your baby’s development, so make sure to practice self-care and seek support if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
What are some common symptoms and discomforts at four months pregnant?
Now that you’re in your second trimester, you may start to experience some relief from the nausea and fatigue of the first trimester. However, there are still some common symptoms and discomforts associated with four months of pregnancy.
One of the most common symptoms at this stage is round ligament pain. As your uterus expands, the ligaments that support it stretch and you may feel a sharp or dull pain in your lower abdomen or groin area.
You may also experience heartburn, constipation, and bloating as your digestive system slows down to absorb more nutrients for your baby’s development.
As your baby grows and puts pressure on your bladder, you may find yourself needing to urinate more frequently. You may also start to experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are mild contractions that prepare your body for labor.
Conclusion
At four months in utero, your baby is growing and developing at a rapid pace. While their development is largely determined by genetics, there are things you can do to support a healthy pregnancy and give your baby a good start in life. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and taking care of your mental health can all help support your baby’s development. If you’re experiencing any symptoms or discomforts, talk to your healthcare provider for guidance on how to manage them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How big is a baby at four months?
A: At four months, the baby is about the size of an avocado, measuring around 5.5 inches from crown to rump and weighing around 5 ounces.
Q: What can you expect during your four-month prenatal checkup?
A: Your healthcare provider will likely perform an ultrasound to check on your baby’s growth and development. They may also check your blood pressure, weight, and urine for any signs of complications.
Q: What can you do to support your baby’s development during this stage?
A: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet, staying active, and taking care of your mental health can all help support your baby’s development.
Q: What are some common symptoms and discomforts at four months pregnant?
A: Common symptoms at this stage include round ligament pain, heartburn, constipation, bloating, frequent urination, and Braxton Hicks contractions.
Q: When will I start to feel my baby move?
A: You may start to feel your baby move around the 16-20 week mark, but this can vary from person to person.
Related video of 4 Months Old Baby Development In The Womb
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YUuXpP7–KQ